Revealed: Fresh plans released for Shrewsbury's Stew - with pictures
A new plan has been unveiled to convert a historic building at the centre of a long-running planning dispute.
Fresh proposals to redevelop The Stew in Frankwell, Shrewsbury, have been revealed, with the owner saying that the new plan will retain 75 per cent of the existing building.
Gallery and Design Developments has submitted the plans to Shropshire Council, which include a ground-floor spa, coffee shop, office space and garages, with seven residential apartments on the upper floors.
Building owner Gareth Leese from Gallery Design said he believes the plans will address previous concerns about the retention of the existing building.
He said: “We are determined to give The Stew a new lease of life that will support the continued development of Frankwell.
"The building has a complex planning history but we believe this new proposal will address concerns by retaining its individual character whilst creating an innovative and sustainable building for the future that is economically viable and will bring jobs and people to the area.”
The new plans include an additional floor with a newly designed floating gutter free roof.
There would also be an extension to the eastern facade of the building.
The design has been drawn up by Shrewsbury’s Base Architecture & Design.
Managing director of Base, Carl Huntley, said the new plan would use the remaining fabric of the building for a sympathetic yet inventive preservation.
He said: “We can actually see The Stew from outside our offices so it has been a privilege to develop this proposal. As it stands The Stew is having a negative impact on the conservation area and, without any intervention, it will not survive.
“Frankwell is one of the gateways to the town centre and, with The Stew sitting between the contemporary theatre and university buildings, it is fitting that the proposal takes cues from the bold designs already in place.
“The proposed extension along the eastern façade of the building will restore the volume and mass of the building as it existed throughout the 20th century. Architecturally, careful thought has been given to the size, integration and detail of this proposal. This viable scheme looks to breathe life back into a derelict building that has stood still for far too long.”
A previous plan to demolish The Stew and replace it with a hotel was the subject of a protracted planning dispute, and considerable opposition from Shrewsbury's Civic Society, which argued against the proposal on the grounds of the building's historical importance to the town.
The plan was ultimately turned down at a planning inquiry in 2015.
A number of attempts to have the building listed have also been turned down, with Historic England rejecting the latest earlier this year.
